Exciting development opportunities in Inverurie as council puts two key sites up for sale
Two strategically-important sites in Inverurie are soon to be marketed for sale by Aberdeenshire Council.
Offers will be sought for the site of the former Gordon House offices and for another plot of vacant land on Harlaw Road which has become surplus to requirements.
The substantial Gordon House site on Blackhall Road has now been cleared and presents an exciting redevelopment opportunity to integrate into the existing surrounding area.
Covering 1.6 hectares with excellent links to the town centre and the A96, the site has the potential for residential, offices/mixed use, community uses and tourist accommodation.
The former Harlaw Day Centre was demolished in 2018 and the 1.2 hectare site is currently zoned for business use only within the current Local Development Plan. Alternative uses could be considered, but would require appropriate planning consent.
Against a backdrop of stretched public sector finances, there has been a real push in recent years to reduce the number of buildings the council run and maintain at considerable cost.
That means ensuring that vacant and unused sites are sold in a way which achieves best value for money, generating vital additional revenue to not only strengthen financial resilience and support frontline services, but also ensuring that development contributes positively to thriving, well-planned town centres and sustainable communities for the long term.
Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader and chair of its Business Services Committee, Cllr Stewart Adams, said: “Securing best value is absolutely critical for the council and we need to make informed, strategic decisions which balance financial return with long-term social and economic outcomes. We hope to encourage competitive interest through our marketing of the two sites with the aim of helping to identify development proposals which are viable, sustainable and aligned with the local priorities identified through the collaborative place planning approach in Inverurie.
“Equally important is ensuring that each site is brought forward for the right purpose – whether that be residential, business or retail – so that any future development meets genuine local needs. I very much hope that the redevelopment of our vacant sites in Inverurie will act as a catalyst for regeneration, increasing footfall, supporting local businesses, creating new homes and jobs and enhancing the overall vitality of the town.”
You can view all the council’s vacant premises and lease opportunity at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/available-property
